The MeisterSinger City Edition 2020

MeisterSinger is famous for its single-hand dials – a modern interpretation of the most ancient of time displays –  and has separated itself from the pack in just less than twenty years of existence. In 2017, the limited No. 01 City Edition series debuted with 45 different world cities based on official retailer locations displayed on the caseback crystals. The city name and limited edition number were engraved on the back’s perimeter. MeisterSinger chose the larger No. 03 model for the 2018 City Edition series and continues that trend for 2020. Only 28 versions are included this year, but a fresh dial and classic city silhouettes are as cool as ever. 

The 316L stainless steel cases are 43mm in diameter and 11.5mm in height. A bit on the large side, but also very contemporary in both size and design. The cases are polished and brushed with a narrow front bezel and oversized knurled crown, and water-resistance is rated at 50 metres. The casebacks are what make these special, displaying specially printed silhouettes of cities or regions on the bottom half of the exhibition crystals. Some are more unique, like Antwerpen with a human silhouette across the entire crystal. This year’s diverse locations include Oslo, Amsterdam, Ruhrpott, Poland and Hungary, and are engraved just above the rear glass with the area’s motto engraved at the bottom. Rounding things out is a hand-sewn brown vintage leather strap with a steel pin buckle. 

A domed sapphire crystal covers a fresh dial for the new series, a sapphire blue with a nice gradient effect. A silver minute track surrounds gold Arabic numerals, all classically displaying double digits (01, 02, 03, etc.) and similar in style to the original 2017 series. A single white hour hand contrasts well against the deep blue and although not quite as precise in practice as a conventional two-hand setup, it reminds you to relax a bit and enjoy fond memories of the given location. Just above 6 o’clock is a circular date window and either City Edition or just Edition (for a country/region) is printed above. Simple, elegant and classic MeisterSinger. 

Powering the series is the Sellita SW 200-1 automatic, an alternative to the ETA 2824-2 and the same as in other No. 03 collections. It has 26 jewels, beats at 28,800vph (4Hz) with a 38-hour power reserve. The movement is modified to include a single hour hand and date. Seen through the exhibition caseback, the rotor is decorated with Côtes de Genève. 

All 28 versions of the MeisterSinger No. 03 City Edition 2020 are limited, although some models more than others (20 pieces, 8 pieces, 5 pieces, etc.). The retail price per watch is EUR 1,790 with availability starting in October. More information can be found at MeisterSinger’s website.